News from WCC
The world’s first interactive, customisable hologram was unveiled last night in Wellington, showcasing not only the potential for this technology but also the power of working together. With the touch of a finger, users experienced the power of customisable holograms, pimping their own holographic cars with tinted windows, flashy wheels and fresh paint jobs.

This innovation is the result of collaboration between two of Wellington’s brightest entrepreneurs, Chris Mathers and Neville Rodda. The pair are based at the BizDojo, the new home of Collider – a collaboration between BizDojo and the Wellington City Council, that provides a program of events designed for fast growing ideas and companies.

“This type of collaboration is precisely the reason the Council partnered with BizDojo to offer the Collider programme,” says mayor Celia Wade-Brown. “Having a shared space in which our entrepreneurs can share and innovate is key to Wellington’s success as the smart capital.”

For someone who’s about to change the world Chris – a fresh faced 24 year old – has a quiet, humble manner. His company Point Zero produces digital experiences for mobile and web, specialising in virtual reality.

Following an inspiring workshop offered through the Collider programme, and over drinks at the BizDojo Christmas party, Chris and Neville realised they shared the skills to create the first interactive, customisable hologram in the world that uses gamification to bring stories to life.

That was less than 4 weeks ago.

Neville Rodda says, “I feel like I’ve been working toward this my whole life, and it’s exciting –we’re on the right side of the wave.”

“We have built an interactive hologram to educate, test and customise products, tell stories, for advertising and marketing, in which customers can literally engage, learn and connect with brands and products through simply playing,” says Chris. “The possibilities are endless.”

The hologram uses the reflective capabilities of Perspex, set to a 45° angle against a light source to make an image appear to float in space, and can be scaled for use on devices from mobile phones to industrial projectors.

Wellington Regional Economic Development Agency Chief Executive Chris Whelan says the project demonstrates an area of particular strength and opportunity for Wellington.

“The intersection of creative imagination, technological expertise and digital entrepreneurship is a central feature of the global economy of the future,” says Chris. “Wellington has proven it has the talent to successfully compete internationally in this space, and initiatives like the Collider programme will further unlock this potential. This will attract worldwide attention for the creators themselves, and enhance Wellington’s reputation as a global hub of design thinking and high-tech creativity.”

Chris and Neville are now exploring commercialisation options and potential partnerships.